Grieving a lost pet
Losing a pet is indescribable
The bond that we form with their pets is often healing and reliable. Coping with the loss of such a valuable and irreplaceable relationship is hard. We believe every pet owner should have support as they navigate through their loss.
Our team of licensed social workers is committed to offering compassionate care and understanding during this difficult time.
Stages of grief
Kübler-Ross Model
Denial
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First stage of grief
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Often feelings of numbness or shock.
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May be hard to accept reality.
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Shock helps keep us safe from the overwhelming emotions that come with the loss.
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Denial is a way we cope with loss, prior to processing the loss.
Anger
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Second stage of grief
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Often feelings of frustration, resentment, or short temper.
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Anger may be directed at oneself, other people, or even veterinary staff.
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Processing anger in a healthy way can encourage deeper healing.
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It's okay to feel your feelings, anger is a natural feeling.
Bargaining
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Third stage of grief
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Our way of trying to make sense of the loss.
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Sometimes asking, "What if I made the wrong decision?"
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Sometimes it starts with "if only we had..."
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It's our attempt to negotiate more time with our pet.
Depression
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Fourth stage of grief
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Feelings of sadness
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Thoughts that nothing will ever be the same
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We often think of our own mortality, or mortality of other pets.
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Low to no motivation
Acceptance
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Fifth stage of grief
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Feelings of "it's going to be okay."
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Emotions feel stable.
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Re-adjusting to life
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Acceptance does not mean forgetting
Notes on stages of grief
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. The grieving process is not linear. Everyone grieves differently and that's okay.
Contact us today to learn more.
